With the Vattenfall Cyclassics in Hamburg on Sunday another one day race of the WorldTour calendar is programmed. It’s only the 18th edition. André Greipel of Lotto Belisol, second in 2012, will be one of the challengers of the Frenchman Arnaud Démare who could celebrate last year and will defend his title. With Giacomo Nizzolo also last year’s number three will be present. An ill Marcel Kittel won’t appear at the start, but John Degenkolb of Argos – Shimano is. Gerald Ciolek is another fast German guy on the list with participants.

On the 246 km long course, which consists of a few loops, lies four times the Waseberg, this climb of 800 meters has an average gradient of 8,8% with parts up to 15%. The riders will get to the top the last time 15,2 km from the finish. In Hamburg Greipel can rely on the support of teammate Marcel Sieberg who made his comeback this week in Zottegem after he had broken his collarbone in the Tour.

André Greipel: “I’m looking forward to Sunday. The Vattenfall Cyclassics is one of the one day races I can win and it’s a WorldTour race. It’s also close to the city I was born, so I’m always motivated there. The race suits me. The scenario is actually always the same, a breakaway will be formed and then it’s up to us to take the responsibility like we always do in the races in which we are aiming for a sprint. I have faith in my team that they can support me until the end.”

“Before the Waseberg it’s always hectic and nervous, because you have to survive the climb. You have to stay in the front. I’m glad Marcel Sieberg is back with us after his injury, he’s really important for this race. Sibi is very good in holding on to a good position. It’s nice to start in my national jersey in Germany. It’s a big honour for me to wear this shirt in any case, so hopefully we’ll have a good ending on Sunday.”